TAO/Working with Volunteer Instructors/Do’s & Don’t’s

Results of a brainstorming session with Kai Grabenhorst (SeniorWeb NL), Alfons Bühlmann (Seniorweb CH) and Elvira Schmidt (Wikimedia DE):

To find/recruit seniors

Do's

• to pick them up where their current interests are (e.g. hobby clubs)
• to give seniors the impression to feel themselves at the centre of society (up to date & modern)
• catchy, informative and clear website

Don't's

• not to emphasize membership too much (attachment has a negative image)
• not to raise false expectations

To activate seniors

Do's

• interesting newsletter
• training
• community management (planning and organization of concrete activities)
• animation and guidance
• to address them personally
• to propose combinations and links to related activities
• to help them overcome any inhibitions

Don't's

• not to carry internal conflicts to the outside
• fights vs. factual differences
• illoyality among staff members
• no time to get oneself accustomed
• not to let somebody go without taking care of him/her
• charge for services that are too expensive or too cheap

To keep seniors